Chapter 6

Disclaimer: Still not my characters, but yes, I'm having fun with them. Pity there's no money involved!

Thanks go to amsev for reading this over for me. And thanks also to Felicius21 for helping out.

The day had begun much like the previous ones, only Snape had decided to give Hermione the cold shoulder. He didn't take any of the coffee she'd made, settling on making himself tea, and he bypassed the extra slices of toast she'd left on a saucer. She was content to leave things that way as well. Mostly. It didn't pay to converse with someone who seemed bent on making things worse. He only spoke when he wanted her to do something or to answer a question she had about the potion they were making. Having been through the process once already, they were able to work together easily, the repeated steps going smoothly.

However, it did annoy her a little, as she did enjoy talking by nature. Most of her time was now taken up by covertly looking at him...all in the name of learning of course. Well, that wasn't exactly true. She found herself looking at the oddest things...his fingers as he worked, the triumphant smile he flashed to himself when the potion turned out right, the way his hair fell over his cheeks, or even the way he cocked his head to the side and brought an index finger up to circle his lips while lost in thought. None of this had anything to do with potion making, and yet, she couldn't help herself. There was something intriguing about him, even with his sour disposition.

Crookshanks seemed to know that Severus was still angry with him and avoided him completely. Then again, he always had been smart, being part kneazle and all. Snape spoke, pulling her from her thoughts.

"It can simmer for the next nine hours." He bent down to check the flame. "You needn't worry about waking to come stir it at that point and add the next set of ingredients. I shall handle it."

"Well, I'd like to be a part of everything if you don't mind. I may need to do this again when alone, and the extra practice doesn't hurt."

"And miss out on your beauty sleep? I wouldn't hear of it."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Was he taking a poke at her looks?

He sneered and brushed a piece of nonexistent lint from his robes. "Well, some people seem to need more sleep than others...for whatever reason." His smile widened nastily. "Why, did you take it to mean that I thought you truly needed beauty sleep? That I find you to be lacking?"

"Yes," she said matter-of-factly. "I'm sure of it. I think I liked it better when you were ignoring me."

"I shall wake you then, but if you simply mumble and turn over as you did last time..."

"I did no such thing! You didn't even try to wake me."

"I did."

"My door was closed and my bag was still in front of it. How do you explain that?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "You didn't bother to wake me! You didn't want me to be a part of it."

"Not that I need to explain myself to you, but I did indeed go to your room. You were lying on your left side facing away from me, bare legs twisted in your sheet." He smirked slightly and gazed at her intently, lowering his voice. "Your already too short nightgown had slid up to your waist, revealing light purple knickers to my wandlight."

"How dare you sneak into my room and... and look at my knickers!" she said indignantly.

"Trust me, you silly little girl, you have nothing that I want to see." He brushed by her, glaring all the while. "I'd rather visit an old friend in Knockturn Alley than be reduced to sneaking glances at someone I am certainly not attracted to."

"I... You're so rude!" She frowned, trying to think of something to say. Why did he insist on insulting her? "I don't appreciate the way you treat me. I know you're unhappy, but can you honestly tell me that offending me makes you happier?"

He ignored her words, moving to the door, saying, "Lock this when you leave. I don't want that infernal beast coming here to ruin anything."

"I think he's learnt his lesson."

"That remains to be seen." He turned to face her. "And I will require you to Apparate with me in about an hour. Be ready."

"Wait, what? Where to?" She should tell him that she wouldn't after the way he'd acted.

"I have things that I need to purchase. Diagon Alley if you don't mind."

Feeling devious, she said, "All right. I have a quick stop to make, too...if you don't mind." She'd fix his arse. Little girl, eh? Unattractive, was she? She'd force him to visit the lingerie shop with her so that she could get his opinion on a suitable nightgown. That would serve him right.

"Very well."

And then he was gone, leaving her to frown in his wake. Why did he have to be so sour? She could sympathize with him for his situation and even felt guilty for her part in it, but he could at least try to be amiable so that the days weren't so long and awkward. Harry had only been trying to tell his side of the story. It seemed the only true way to get his word out was to have it plastered in a paper. She wished, though, that he'd gone to the Minister, as she'd thought he would do.

And why had there been a gleam in his eye when he'd recalled what she'd been wearing? If he truly wasn't attracted to her or found her lacking, why had he spoken that way, as if reciting a fond memory? It seemed as though he'd thought of her undressed state more than once. Was her nightgown too short? He had taken some interest in her. Maybe. That or she definitely needed to get out more. "Wonder what Ron's up to? Maybe I should have let him stay the night last time he asked."

Sighing, she decided to push those thoughts away and get cleaned up. Making certain to close the door behind her, she went down to her room to gather a fresh set of clothes for their evening excursion. Without thinking, she opened the bathroom door...only to drop the items to the floor and to gape in shock.

Shirtless and with his trousers partially unzipped, Snape stood in front of the mirror, toothbrush in hand. Hermione couldn't help but to admire what she saw. While he was on the thin side, he seemed to be muscled and held an aura of strength about him. His chest had a light smattering of hair that thickened slightly the lower it trailed, meeting with a thatch of dark hair peeking out his opened trousers.

Forcing her eyes away, she said, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were in here." And now the shoe was on the other foot. He'd seen her nearly undressed, so it seemed she'd returned the favor. However, it was affecting her much more than he'd claimed to have been affected. Her heart was beating quickly, and she could feel her face heating.

"I do, upon occasion, groom myself," he retorted sourly. When she didn't move, he added, "I'll be done in a moment. Don't let me stop you. It's not anything I haven't seen before...or care to see on you."

She looked up and met his challenging gaze. He was testing her. Chin up, she picked up her things and brushed past him to turn on the faucets, touching the spray to make certain it was warm enough. Once done, she placed her clothes on the counter next to the sink and pulled her hair up in a ponytail.

A look at him showed him leaning down and brushing his teeth, not even paying attention to her. Maybe he was being honest when he said I didn't merit a second glance. Part of her didn't believe it though. In a shaky voice, she said, "It won't take long. I don't have to wash my hair." He carried on and ignored her.

He probably thinks I won't do it. And I shouldn't. But I can't let him think he intimidates me. I'll just act as though he doesn't bother me at all. His nasty words came back to her, and she decided to show him that she was no little girl who'd go rushing from the room...from his silent challenge. With that, she turned her back to him and quickly undressed and ducked behind the shower curtain, uncertain if he'd seen her naked backside or not, but inwardly hoping he hadn't. What the bloody hell had possessed her to do that? Feeling foolish, she quickly went about washing her body, wishing she could rub the redness out of her flushed skin.

And what if he was still there when she finished? She hadn't even got a towel down to dry herself with. Damn it! She could hear nothing beyond the forceful shower spray, and the shower curtain was so thick, she couldn't see if he was still there. That was a good thing, she supposed, as it meant he couldn't see her either. And why hadn't she ever noticed before the past couple of days, and especially now, that beneath his uninviting appearance there was a very attractive man...one whose hands could work magic if his massage had been any indication.

Good grief, am I so lonely that even Severus Snape is tempting? Maybe I really should take Ron up on his offer. It's nothing we haven't done before.

When she finished rinsing her body, she turned the water off and cautiously peeked around the shower curtain. Snape was gone, and the door was closed, leaving her in privacy. Breathing a sigh of relief, she opened the curtain and smiled in surprise as she saw that he'd placed a fresh towel on the hamper for her.

Even though she'd just done something that was utterly foolish and something she'd likely regret, for the moment she felt triumphant. She'd beaten him at his game. Maybe. Perhaps he truly wasn't affected by what she'd done, but at least she'd proven to him that she was no little girl. "Though I might be silly," she admitted to herself with a wry grin, drying herself with the towel he'd left for her.

The towel. She'd take that as a sign of his defeat. He wouldn't have left it otherwise. Dressing as quickly as she could, she walked over to the closed door, took a deep breath, closed her eyes to summon the courage to face him, exhaled, and twisted the doorknob. He was nowhere to be seen.

In relief, she walked over to the couch to put on her trainers. It was then that he exited his room, his eyes meeting hers. "Ready, I see?"

"Yes." She cursed herself inwardly for sounding breathless, but she couldn't help feeling embarrassed by what she'd done...and hated that she found his black trousers and crisp grey shirt a complement to his dark hair and eyes.

"Come here," he said, extending his hand to her.

Was this another peace offering? She rose and walked over to him much like an Inferius might approach its victim, allowing him to slowly take her in his arms, even stepping as closely as possible to him. Was he going to kiss her? She looked up and tilted her head just the right way, licking her lips as she did so.

"Well?" he said, his voice deliciously silky.

Did he expect her to make the first move?

"Aren't you going to Disapparate us?" He smirked, eyes gleaming. "I'm restricted here."

Hermione quickly looked down in embarrassment and tried to ease back, but he held her close. "Of course. I...I was just making sure you were ready."

"I am."

She could hear the amusement in his voice. He knew that she'd misunderstood his intentions, and he knew that she'd have allowed him to kiss her if that had been what he'd wanted. But why? They didn't even like each other. What was he doing to her? Where was her head? Was all this time away from her job getting to her? She'd heard of something called cabin fever. People who only stayed indoors for an extended period of time sometimes went crazy. Yes, that was it. She was suffering from some mental issue.

With a crack, she Disapparated them to Diagon Alley, just missing another man who'd Apparated in. "Sorry, sir," she said politely while still being held tightly by Snape.

"'S all right." The man's eyes moved from hers to Snape's. They widened momentarily before he nodded and moved on.

She stepped away from Snape quickly. "Where did you need to go?"

"The apothecary first and then to Flourish and Blotts."

"All right."

"You needn't accompany me to the apothecary. I'll meet you at the bookstore."

"Now, hang on."

"Oh? Feel the need to watch over me, do you?" He sneered. "Yes, that's right. My warden. Come along then."

Feeling foolish once again, she said, "I only meant that I need to get something else first, so if I'm not in the bookstore when you get there, I'll be around shortly." She saw his cold glare soften slightly as he nodded and moved on. She praised herself for the quick lie. She truly had been about to insist on accompanying him. However, it wasn't because she was trying to keep tabs on him. While she wasn't certain why, she did honestly know that that wasn't the reason. Frowning, she turned and went the other way.

Deciding she no longer wanted to force him into accompanying her to find a new nightgown, she opted to get one herself while he purchased his things at the apothecary. Nancy's Nightwear was the first place she saw, and she ventured in. It was rather pricey, so she'd never bought anything there before. The strong scent of cinnamon assailed her immediately, and she thought of backing out, but a display to her left got her attention. There was a lovely nightgown made of a light blue velour fabric that clung to the mannequin's frame attractively, yet covered most of her legs and showed no cleavage.

Unable to help herself, she reached out and ran her fingers over a sleeve. She loved the soft feel of it and knew that it would be comfortable against her body. There's no way he'd call me a girl if he saw me in this, she thought smugly. However, the smile on her lips faded. What did she care anyway? She wanted to buy something that he wouldn't consider too short or, what he was likely thinking, immodest. She didn't want to give him the wrong idea at any rate...no matter what her hormones had been trying to whisper all day.

"May I help you?" a saleswitch asked.

"How much is this? I don't see a price."

"Ah, that's on sale. We happen to be overstocked at the moment."

"Oh, that's good. Er... what price?"

"Only 70 Galleons."

"70 Galleons!" Hermione exclaimed. That was definitely too much...especially if it were on sale. What was the normal price?

"I know! Such a lovely nightgown for more than half the price," the saleswitch said, obviously misunderstanding Hermione's gasp. "They last for a lifetime...guaranteed, are flame resistant, and they come equipped with two spells: one to make the sleeves and length shorter for our warmer months and the other to change colors."

No wonder it was so expensive. One would never have to buy another gown in her lifetime if she bought this one. "How... What's recommended to keep it clean?"

"Cleaning Spells are fine. Otherwise, you can follow the directions on the tag." She grinned proudly. "I have one of these myself. It's come in handy indeed."

Looking at the gown again, Hermione tried to mentally tally what she had in her account and anything outstanding that needed paying. With the Ministry giving sponsors funds to keep their "guests," she had extra money, but she hated to spend it, uncertain as to when she'd be able to return to work. It had been a while since she'd bought herself anything luxurious though, and this could be considered something needed, as it was obvious Snape didn't appreciate her normal attire.

"I'll take it then," she said, following the smiling woman to check out.

"Hermione, what are you doing here?"

She spun around in surprise and grinned. "Ron! I could ask you the same thing."

"What's that?" he asked, nodding towards her gown. She could see the question in his eyes.

"Oh, well, I wanted something that I could feel comfortable in with Snape there. In case he happened to see me in it."

Ron smiled and nodded. "Yeah, wouldn't want him to see you in that little black..."

"Shhh!"

"What? I'm sure she's heard more than that before," he said, ears reddening slightly. "Where is he?"

"The apothecary. Figured I could do this discreetly," she said and promptly bit her lip. She hated lying to Ron, but she very well couldn't tell him the story behind her reasoning. In fact, she wanted to push those thoughts away. "Where's Harry?" she asked, looking behind him.

"Ah, he's with Kingsley. Looks like they're going to work together to get that all sorted out. Scrimgeour, that arsehole. Knew he'd go back on his word."

"His word? What do you mean?"

"Well, Harry went to see him about getting Snape's freedom. Bloke wouldn't hear it. Made a deal with Harry if he accepted that job with them, he'd talk to the Wizengamot."

"When?"

"Right after you left that day," he said. Lowering his voice, he added, "Scrimgeour came over with Kingsley not long after and said the Wizengamot felt Snape hadn't stayed with you long enough to make a fair decision, considering nobody else would be getting their lives back anytime soon."

"Harry didn't tell me this!" Hermione said angrily. Why hadn't he explained this to her? Then she could have told Snape and smoothed things over! "I thought he went straight to Rita Skeeter!"

"No, that was my idea," Ron said proudly, hooking a thumb towards his chest. "That's right. Told him it's what you would do. Remember back when we got her to tell his story in fifth year, the truth about You-Know-Who coming back? And boy is it working. You should see all the owls of support we're getting." He snickered. "Making Greengrass and Pan...Parkinson organize and reply to them. Bout all they're good for. Besides complaining, that is."

Still shocked, Hermione signed the slip that would allow the store to draft the Galleons for her purchase out of her account at Gringotts and blindly took the bag with her nightgown in it, following Ron towards the back of the store. "I wish Harry would have said something." She frowned. "I said some awful things to him."

"Yeah," Ron said with a nod. "But he knows it's his fault. He just felt bad... you know, letting you down like that."

"Please tell him that I'm really sorry ab..."

"Ronald," said a feminine voice from behind Hermione. "How does this look? Daphne says it makes me look fat."

Hermione whirled around and faced Pansy, who wore a sleek, satiny night slip that showed her lengthy legs and much cleavage. It was definitely not for someone wanting to be modest. Narrowing her eyes, she gazed between Ron and Pansy.

"Er, looks all right," he snapped. Then his eyes met Hermione's. He shrugged. "Not like it matters to me anyway. Get whatever you'd like, but hurry it up."

"What's going on?" Hermione asked quietly, thinking back to what Harry had said. Was it true? It did bother her a little, especially now with Pansy flashing a smug grin. She felt oddly jealous of the girl, and she'd never before wanted anything to do with her.

"Oh, they said they needed some supplies. Harry says it's my turn, so here I am." He nodded to the doors behind Pansy. "Been in there an hour, both of 'em."

Pansy moved closer and peered at Hermione's shopping bag, trying to make out what was inside. "Buying something to impress Snape?" she asked in amusement.

"She is not!" Ron answered before Hermione could reply.

"Uh-huh. If you say so. Why, I'll bet..." Her words stopped abruptly as she realized what Hermione had. "You know, I do believe you're right. No one in her right mind would try to seduce anyone wearing that thing."

"You ridiculous cow! How dare you insinuate anything! Look who's the one buying something to impress someone!" Hermione retorted.

"Yeah, Pansy, don't go talking to Hermione like that," Ron said, looking flustered.

"Is he off limits, Granger?" Pansy asked bluntly.

"Who?" Ron asked dumbly.

"Sorry?"

Pansy simply grinned at him and then glared at Hermione. "I thought you weren't interested in Ron any longer. Maybe I am." With that said, she turned and walked back into the dressing room.

Ron's mouth gaped open slightly, and he seemed to be struggling with himself over what to say. Hermione decided to talk to him and get things in the open. "Ron, is something going on with you two?"

"No, no. I don't know why she's even said that! All we do is argue." He couldn't meet Hermione's eyes though when he said the next part. "I don't find her pretty at all."

"She's right. You're not taken."

"But I still wouldn't do that to you. Remember? We're just testing the waters and trying to live alone for a while to see..."

"If you can find happiness with someone...even her...I wouldn't stand in your way," Hermione said firmly, the memory of Snape, half dressed and in her loo, flashed through her mind. "Maybe this has all happened for a reason."

"Well... I care about you so much," he said softly, lifting a hand to caress her chin. "Really, I do."

"Me too," she said sadly. "But we've not been right for a long time. Why should I interfere if you could find someone who can give you what I can't?"

"But you could."

"We don't know that. What if later on I..."

"Hermione, are you saying... Do you mean that you want me to pursue something with her?"

"Not if that's not what you want."

"It's not! I don't even like her!"

"You protest a bit much," she said with a small laugh. "Don't rush into anything. I'm not saying that." She smiled but was unable to keep the sadness from her voice. "Even Harry can see the attraction between you two. I love you enough to want you to be happy, even if it's not with me."

He leaned closer and kissed her lips softly at first and then passionately, his arms moving around her waist. When he pulled away, he shook his head. "I love you, you know that."

"Yeah." And she truly did feel sad. Why was there no spark in his kiss any longer? Where was the desire she'd once felt for him?

"I guess I should tell you the same."

She laughed. "Don't worry. I doubt Snape will be falling at my feet!"

He snorted. "Right. I meant... with anyone else that might catch your fancy. I want you to be happy, too."

"Thank you, Ron." She gathered him close and hugged him tightly.

"We're done, Weasley," Daphne said, interrupting them. "Granger, hello."

"Hi."

"Where's, uh, Parkinson?" Ron asked, looking around.

Daphne smirked. "Oh, she came out a minute ago. Ran off for some reason. I expect she's waiting outside. Couldn't find anything to fit her big arse."

"Now, see here," Ron began, "it's not that big."

"Noticed, have you?" Daphne asked coyly.

Sputtering, Ron said, "I didn't mean it like that." His eyes widened and found Hermione's.

She laughed and said, "Better go find her before she harms herself trying to Disapparate without you."

"Right then. See you later!"

"Bye."

Daphne didn't follow him. Instead, she looked at Hermione for a moment. "Are you all right, Granger? Living with Snape I mean."

She shook her head. "I'm all right, but he's no ray of sunshine."

"Uh-huh. He was the same as our Head of House." She looked away for a moment, but then she said, "I think it's good what you two are doing. A lot of people, my brother included, will benefit from a cure. Thank you."

"Your brother?"

She nodded. "Yes, he went to Durmstang and is a few years older than me. He was a Death Eater for a while, but I helped him hide when he wanted to defect. It never set well with him the things they did. It's why I'm considered a commiserating party and on forced probation. They won't hear that he was hiding and had changed his mind or that he'd never hurt anyone. They just chucked me in gaol and him in St. Mungo's. See, one of his old mates found him and hexed him just as the Aurors arrived where we were. I was going to be next...after a round of games, he'd said. Dolohov, I believe."

Hermione's brow furrowed. "That's unfair! Why didn't they give you Veritaserum to verify it?"

"Oh, they did, but then they asked if I knew Occlumency, and I was trained in it. They figure I was able to stage my answers anyway."

"I'm sorry."

Daphne nodded. "I will go purchase this and find the others. Good day."

With much on her mind, Hermione made her way over to Flourish and Blotts and found Snape waiting just inside the door.

"Bout time," he said, looking at his pocket watch. "Nancy's Nightwear?" he asked, nodding at her bag.

"I...yes." She blushed. "I thought I should get a new nightgown, one that wouldn't offend you so."

"Miss Granger, Hermione," he said softly, "what I said earlier. I had no right to say such things. That was uncalled for and inappropriate of me."

She looked away and said, "No more inappropriate than my shower."

He chuckled slightly. "I agree."

"Is that an apology?"

"We can call it that, yes."

"Accepted. I found something out just now that I think you should know."

"Indeed?"

"Would you want to have dinner out tonight instead of at home? We could talk then."

He stood still for a moment. "Very well. Where would you like to go?"

"Muggle London. I know a lovely café, and we won't have any of this lot hovering around." She indicated several people who were staring at them.

"Lead the way."

Southern's Notes: And here's my next installment. Some progress has been made finally, and geez, silly Hermione! What was she thinking? Snerk.